Fulham head coach Alvaro Arbeloa has responded to the social media activity involving Alex Iwobi and two other players. The situation followed Fulham’s 3-2 Premier League defeat to Crystal Palace.
Iwobi has started all three of Fulham’s league matches this season. He played 82 minutes against Palace before Rodrigo Muniz replaced him. The Nigerian also completed 90 minutes against Sunderland and Chelsea. He has yet to score or assist in the league this campaign.
The Palace defeat increased attention around the Fulham squad. Iwobi appeared to remove Fulham-related content from his social media pages. Emile Smith Rowe made similar changes. Meanwhile, winger Kevin posted a cryptic message after remaining an unused substitute against Palace.
The activity sparked speculation among supporters. However, Arbeloa played down concerns about the mood within his squad.
Speaking before Fulham’s trip to Liverpool, Arbeloa focused on the response of his players in training.
”I think you learn more about a group after a defeat than after a win, and they have worked with a very positive attitude this week,” he said.
The Spanish coach also acknowledged that players can become frustrated when they do not feature regularly.
”When you’re a player and you aren’t playing, you can’t be happy. I expect that feeling from my players that aren’t playing. I want them to show me they aren’t happy in our training sessions. That’s the most important thing for me.
”I can see how hard they are working. I feel I have a very good group with a very good attitude.”
Iwobi’s position remains different from those of Smith Rowe and Kevin. The Super Eagles midfielder has started every Premier League match since Arbeloa took charge.
His latest appearance came against Crystal Palace. Fulham led twice but eventually lost 3-2 at Craven Cottage. Josh King opened the scoring before Cesar Palacios doubled the advantage. Palace then completed the comeback through Tyrick Mitchell and Ben Chilwell.
The result left Fulham without a Premier League point after three matches. They have also conceded seven goals during that run.
Iwobi will now look to maintain his place when Fulham face Liverpool. The fixture provides Arbeloa’s team with another opportunity to change the mood around the club.
The Nigerian’s experience could also prove valuable as Fulham attempt to respond on the pitch. For now, Arbeloa insists the group remains committed despite the difficult opening to the campaign.
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